The Rams needed a win in the worst way possible Sunday when they visited the Saints. That’s been the case the last few weeks, and yet again, they came up short.
They were dominated by the Saints, losing on the road, 27-20. It was much more lopsided than the final score suggests, too. It didn’t help that Matthew Stafford left the game and was evaluated for a concussion, but it was another terrible performance on both sides of the ball.
Now 3-7, the Rams may need to win the rest of their games in order to have any shot at the playoffs. That’s a tall task, especially with the Saints up next on the schedule.
Final score: Saints 27, Rams 20
Game notes
- Matthew Stafford left the game in the third quarter and was evaluated for a concussion. He was replaced by Bryce Perkins, who finished the game.
- The Rams rode Cam Akers in this one, opting to use him as their workhorse back instead of Darrell Henderson Jr. Kyren Williams also worked in for some snaps as a runner, receiver and pass blocker.
- Tutu Atwell made the play of his career, catching a deep shot from Matthew Stafford for his first touchdown – a 62-yarder down the left sideline. It was just the second reception of his career.
- Without Cooper Kupp, Matthew Stafford got a lot more pass-catchers involved. Van Jefferson, Allen Robinson, Atwell and Tyler Higbee all made plays, with Jefferson doing an especially good job for his quarterback.
- The offense finally showed up and sustained some drives, but the defense didn’t do its part this time. Andy Dalton picked apart the defense and made it look easy, facing very few tight windows to throw into. There were a lot of open receivers.
- Leonard Floyd and Greg Gaines came alive with two sacks each, helping out Aaron Donald on the pass rush.
- Jalen Ramsey allowed two touchdowns in this game: one to Juwan Johnson and a 53-yarder to Chris Olave. It wasn’t the best performance by the Rams’ top cornerback.
It was over when...
… Perkins was sacked on back-to-back plays with about 2 minutes left in the fourth quarter. The Rams were down 10 points at the time and didn’t have much of a chance to come from behind, but those two drive-killing plays absolutely gave them no shot.
The first sack was allowed by Bobby Evans and the second was given up by Coleman Shelton.
3 stars of the game
No. 3 star: Allen Robinson – 4 catches, 47 yards, 1 TD
No. 2 star: Leonard Floyd – 2 sacks
No. 1 star: Greg Gaines – 2 sacks
Play of the game
Atwell hasn’t done much as a pro in a season and a half but he made a big play today against the Saints. In the first half, he caught a 62-yard bomb from Stafford down the left sideline, his second career catch and first touchdown in the NFL.
Talk to @tutuatwell NICE! That's a 62-yard TD!
📺 @NFLonFOX | 📲 https://t.co/4beUdmlymg pic.twitter.com/6vm8uDx4dP
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) November 20, 2022
What's next?
The Rams will be on the road again this week when they visit the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. At 3-7, they’re in do-or-die mode, which isn’t a good thing considering they’re facing arguably the best team in the NFL in the Chiefs.
